Finding a plumber you can trust to get the job done right can be a tough process. Any time you’re hiring someone new to work on important parts of your home there can be a lot of uncertainty.
To really do your due diligence and cover all of your bases before hiring someone new you should do a little bit of research and ask the right questions.
Start off by reading the plumber’s website, maybe check out their social media pages and definitely give their reviews on Google a good read.
You’ll want to make sure they have the services you need; not all plumbers offer hot water heater services, water line repairs or sewer line repairs. During your search you also want to make sure they have services when you need them. Not everyone works outside of typical business hours or responds to emergency calls.
To make your search easier, here are five questions you should ask while deciding on a new plumber.
1. Is Your Plumber Certified and Licensed?
There are only five states that do not require contractors to obtain a plumbing license – Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and Wyoming. Even in those states, plumbers might need local licenses.
In Virginia, plumbers are required to present proof of training and experience before they can obtain a journeyman license. Depending on if a plumber has obtained a related degree or not, they can need anywhere from 1 to 10 years of practical experience before obtaining a license.
If your plumber is licensed, you can trust that they’ve successfully completed other plumbing jobs before taking on yours.
In addition to the license, you can ask your plumber if they have any certifications in the field. One of the most common and well-regarded certifications is the Master Plumber. This usually indicates they’ve passed an exam, have spent time in the field, studied plumbing in school and are also well-versed in the business side of plumbing.
2. Does Your Plumber Provide Pricing Before or After the Work is Done?
Cost is often top of mind when people are searching for their next plumber. Some projects may require plumbers to provide an estimated cost that could shift throughout the service. However, many will provide up-front pricing.
If this is a concern of yours, you should ask your plumber about pricing before they begin purchasing parts or scheduling labor.
You can also ask if your plumber will provide a fee breakdown to show exactly how your money was spent. This will separately explain the cost of parts, labor, transportation, permits and fees.
3. Will Your Plumber Handle Any Required Inspections and Permitting?
You aren’t going to need any inspections or permits for simple jobs like a running toilet or clogged garbage disposal. However, any new piping or backflow prevention devices could require a permit from most localities.
Projects such as pipe replacements, new installations, sewer replacements, hydrants, ejector pumps or new construction plumbing will most likely need an inspection from your local government as well.
Most of the time your plumber will undertake this responsibility for you, but it is important to establish that ahead of time. If the plumber you’ve chosen does not handle permits and inspections, you should decide if that is something you can coordinate on your own or go with a different plumber.
4. Will Your Plumber Provide Advice on How to Avoid Further Issues?
A good plumber is interested in helping you, not just making a profit. That’s why when you’re searching for a plumber you should look for someone who can give you useful advice.
If you’re seeing the same issues over and over again or are experiencing preventable problems, then it’s time for an expert’s opinion.
You want someone with the knowledge to help you avoid all of these complications. If you’re using your toilet, sinks and tubs improperly or if you have an issue with your pipes, it’s important you know as soon as possible.
Once you speak with a prospective plumber for the first time you’ll want to ask them if they provide this kind of help. Another good indicator is to read reviews from previous customers to see if anyone mentions this level of customer service.
5. Does Your Plumber Have Liability Insurance?
Liability insurance covers the plumber if something goes wrong on the job. For instance, if your plumber accidentally floods your kitchen neither party would need to pay out of pocket. This helps your plumber continue operating and ensures you’d get the help you need if something went wrong.
This is a question you’d want to ask before taking on a new plumber just to make sure that accidents and mistakes are covered.
Chesterfield Plumber with the Answers You Need
These questions can make finding a new plumber seem daunting but that doesn’t have to be the case. With the right plumber they’ll provide the proof, pricing and advice you need upfront.
Mike Wilson plumbing is run by a certified Master Plumber with years of experience in the industry. As a family business we understand how valuable your home, time and money are.
Learn more about our residential plumbing and commercial plumbing services such as water heater repairs, bathroom renovations, pipe replacements and faucet repairs. Call today to get the help you need.